How to Properly Store Homemade Bacon Bits for Maximum Freshness and Food Safety

Crispy, smoky bacon bits are a wonderful way to add flavor to salads baked potatoes soups, and more. Making your own homemade bacon bits gives you control over the ingredients and takes only minutes. But proper storage is key to keeping your homemade bacon bits fresh and safe to eat. Follow these simple guidelines for storing bacon bits in the fridge, freezer, or pantry.

Benefits of Homemade Bacon Bits

Making your own bacon bits at home has several advantages over store-bought

• Control ingredients – Avoid preservatives and artificial flavors

• Customize smokiness and saltiness to taste

• Use quality thick-cut bacon for better texture

• Create smaller batches for freshness

• Significant cost savings over store-bought

• Fun weekend cooking project

How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits

Here is a quick overview of how to make homemade bacon bits:

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Cut bacon into lardons or small dice.

3. Cook in oven 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

4. Drain on paper towels and let cool completely.

5. Crumble and store.

Fridge Storage

Storing your homemade bacon bits in the refrigerator will preserve freshness for 5-7 days.

• Let bacon bits cool completely before refrigerating.

• Store in airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well.

• Press parchment paper directly on surface to prevent oxidation.

• Use within 5-7 days for best texture and flavor.

• Discard if bacon bits smell or look off.

Freezer Storage

For longer term storage, the freezer keeps homemade bacon bits fresh for 2-3 months.

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy duty freezer bags. Exclude air.

• Freeze bacon bits in recipe-sized portions for easy use.

• Label bags with contents and date.

• Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations – keep freezer consistently cold.

• Allow to thaw overnight in fridge before using.

Pantry Storage Tips

While fridge or freezer storage is best, you can store bacon bits in the pantry with a few precautions:

• Use cured bacon, not uncured. The curing helps preserve it.

• Cook bacon bits until very crispy and dry. Remove all moisture.

• Allow to cool fully before storage to prevent condensation.

• Store in air-tight containers with oxygen absorbers to control moisture.

• Keep in cool, dark place – not over warm appliances.

• Use within 1 month for best safety and quality.

• Inspect carefully before use – discard if any moisture, stickiness, or off odors.

Dehydrating Bacon Bits

You can also use a food dehydrator to make shelf-stable bacon bits:

• Cook bacon fully and pat very dry.

• Crumble bacon and dehydrate at 160°F for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Blot grease during dehydrating. Line trays with parchment paper.

• When fully dried, store in airtight container in fridge or freezer.

• Not a USDA-approved method for room temperature storage due to fat content.

Avoiding Spoiled Bacon Bits

Signs your homemade bacon bits have spoiled and should be discarded:

• Slimy or tacky texture

• Mold growth

• Foul, off putting odor

• Change in color – greenish, gray

• Presence of moisture or condensation

• More than 5-7 days in fridge

• More than 2-3 months in freezer

• More than 1 month in cool, dark pantry

Following proper storage methods will maintain safety and maximize the delicious homemade flavor. With just a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, crispy bacon bits anytime!

FAQs

How long do homemade bacon bits last in the fridge?

Homemade bacon bits will maintain best quality for 5-7 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Discard if bacon bits smell or appear spoiled.

Can you freeze homemade bacon bits?

Yes, homemade bacon bits freeze very well for long-term storage. Place cooled bacon bits in airtight freezer bags or containers, excluding air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

What is the best way to reheat bacon bits?

To reheat frozen or refrigerated bacon bits, simply add to recipes as needed. The residual heat will thaw and warm them. Or reheat briefly in the microwave just until warmed through. Avoid sogginess.

How long do bacon bits last in the pantry?

Properly prepared homemade bacon bits can be stored in the pantry 1 month maximum when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Inspect carefully before use and discard if any signs of moisture or spoilage. The fridge or freezer are best for long-term storage.

Can you eat homemade bacon bits without cooking them again?

Homemade bacon bits that are fully cooked and properly stored can be enjoyed without additional cooking as a topping for things like salads or baked potatoes. There is no need to reheat or cook homemade bacon bits again prior to serving.

With proper storage technique, you can enjoy homemade bacon bits for weeks or even months after preparing them. Follow these guidelines to keep your bacon bits fresh, safe, and ready to add smoky bacon flavor to your recipes anytime.